Probe into missing nursery data

A memory stick from a council-run nursery containing personal information about children has been lost, Leicester City Council has confirmed.

The council's chief executive Sheila Lock said an investigation into how the memory stick was lost was under way.

Details of about 80 children were contained on the memory stick.

Parents and carers have been told about the loss and the council said it had put in place arrangements for appropriate support.

'Serious breach'

Ms Lock said: "From initial information available to me it is clear there has been a serious and unacceptable breach of our protocols around data storage and data loss.

"We take the issue of data security extremely seriously.

"In light of this incident we are taking immediate steps to remind all of our staff about the strict rules we have in place."

Police and the Information Commissioner have been informed of the loss, the council said.